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Woodbine Entertainment has announced a trio of initiatives designed to support the 130 people living on the backstretch at Woodbine Racetrack during the winter months.

Woodbine has partnered with the Horses First Fund, which will sponsor a nutritious, hot meal each week. The program will start Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The Horses First Fund assists Thoroughbreds and their caretakers in need of emergency aid due to large scale neglect, natural disaster, or other catastrophes.

Horses First Fund founder Jaime Roth of LNJ Foxwoods said, “I was especially moved by the misfortune caused by the pandemic on the Woodbine backstretch workers. Throughout this challenging year, the Horses First Fund has provided emergency funding to seven aftercare organizations, four backstretch organizations, and contributed to two equine feed assistance programs.”

The Horses First Fund is administered by the Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Additionally, Woodbine has reduced the rent for those living on the backstretch by 50%.

In addition to its regular annual donation, Woodbine will make a $4,000 donation to the Race Track Chaplaincy of Canada to help ensure proper resources, programming and support for those remaining on the Woodbine Racetrack backstretch throughout the winter.

“This year has been tremendously difficult for so many people, including those that contribute to our world-class racing at Woodbine Racetrack,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “We know that due to circumstances beyond their control, many are unable to be with their friends and family this winter. I would like to thank our partners the Horses First Fund and the Race Track Chaplaincy of Canada, whom together with us will help ensure that everyone here at Woodbine has the support they need this holiday season and beyond.”

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Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) announced Thursday that grants totaling nearly $1,070,000 will be awarded this year.

A record 92 grant applications were received earlier this year during the organization's annual grant cycle. Ultimately, 70 organizations were approved for a grant including 45 aftercare organizations, 16 backstretch and farm worker programs, five equine-assisted therapy organizations, three Thoroughbred incentive programs, and one research organization. Grant recipients from the last three years can be found on tca.org.

In May, TCA's Horses First Fund made emergency grants to three backstretch organizations, seven aftercare organizations, and supported two feed assistance programs across the U.S. to aid in the relief efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic. The total expended from the Horses First Fund was $79,900 bringing the organization's total 2020 grantmaking over the $1 million mark.

“In a year where we've seen a greater need than ever before we are so grateful that we are able to increase our impact among our grantees,” said Erin Crady executive director of TCA. “TCA's investment in our charities helps to make their work with Thoroughbreds, backstretch and farm workers possible.”

TCA's expanded giving in 2020 is bolstered by two bequests received since its last granting cycle. Last fall, a generous gift from the estate of Robert D. Byington of Lansing, Mich. was received. Mr. Byington was an avid horsemen and part owner of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. When told about the increased impact of TCA's grants due to Mr. Byington's gift, a family member shared, “I know my uncle is beaming with pride right now.”

A second generous bequest from the estate of Maryland horsemen Bob Manfuso was received this summer. Mr. Manfuso was a founding member of the TCA Board of Directors where he worked closely with TCA founders, Herb and Ellen Moelis and Allaire duPont. Mr. Manfuso served as a director until 2017.

“The contributions from Mr. Byington and Mr. Manfuso were so important and we couldn't have hit the seven-figure impact mark without them,” said Mike McMahon president of TCA. “As a founder and an active board member for nearly 30 years, Bob Manfuso served horses and horse people. He was a great man. Generous with his hard work and financial support right to the end. Likewise, the generosity of Robert Byington has made a deep and lasting impact on TCA and our grant recipient organizations. We are forever grateful. TCA has had a great volunteer board over the years, and our current board is no exception. Our volunteer board members do a great job giving generously of their time, especially during the pandemic. We are so proud to offer the horses and the people that care for them a million dollars in total 2020 grants.”

TCA's annual grants are provided to organizations that successfully meet the criteria set forth in an annual grant application. Grant applications for the 2021 grant cycle will be available in early January.

TCA's mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $24 million to more than 200 charities. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).

The post Thoroughbred Charities Of America Awards Grants Over $1 Million In 2020 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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